What is included in the session fee?
With your session fee you get up to 1-2 hours, depending on the session booked, with me at any locations in Grinnell or the surrounding area.
Newborn sessions are typically done in the comfort of your own home and before your baby is 10 days old. If you are feeling adventurous and would like to do an on location newborn session, I’m always looking for volunteers!
The session fee is for up to 5 people. For each additional person add $25.
Why is there a per person charge after 5 people?
I understand that it seems like a lot of extra money to charge per person after a certain number of people. But in my experience, photographing a larger group takes more time, not only in the actual session, but also in the work needed in post production.
Will you help me with what I should wear?
Absolutely! When you book your session with me, I will send you some tips that will help you in choosing your outfits for the shoot. If you have any questions, please ask! For seniors, I recommend running your outfit ideas past your parents for their stamp of approval.
Do you photograph high school seniors?
Yes, absolutely – they are one of my favorite sessions.
Do you photograph weddings or events?
Yes! I love weddings, and actually started out as a wedding photographer. Please get in touch with me for availability.
Do you do large family portraits?
On occasion I do extended family photos, however it is not my specialty. I prefer immediate family or small groupings from a larger family so that I can focus on the relationships and connections between people. There is a per person charge of $25 after the intial session fee which includes up to 5 people.
Where should we do our session?
I love urban, but I also love nature – so if you leave the choice up to me, you’ll probably get a little of both!
If you have a special location in mind I am always up to shooting there, just let me know so we can plan for that.
What is not included in the session fee?
Prints or digital files are not included in your session fee.
How many images will we see from the session?
Expect about 20-30 images in your proof gallery to view.
How long will it be before we get to see our session?
I know you will be patiently waiting to see your images and I’ll be excited to show them to you. It will take me approximately 2 weeks to sort through and edit your session. Typically I schedule ordering appointments 2-3 weeks after your session.
What is the ordering appointment?
The ordering appointment is where you get to see all the images from your session and is done either in your home, or at the Marketplace. At the ordering appointment, I’ll help guide you through your images and give my expert advice for what works best for you. Please make sure that all parties responsible for making purchasing decisons are present at your ordering appointment. Your print or product decisions will be made at the end of your ordering appointment. Payment is due at this time.
Can I buy the digital images from my session?
Digital images are very special, and thus I sell digital images when you’ve reached a certain level in your purchase. When you purchase digital images you also receive a print release to print the images wherever you like. Because every print lab is different I cannot guarantee the print quality of the print lab you choose. My computer is calibrated to my professional print lab. If you plan on making any large prints I highly recommend purchasing them through me.
I remember you taking a specific image during our session, why don’t I see it in the gallery?
Your proof gallery contains the best images from your session. This means that an image you remember being taken could have been blurry from movement, or someone’s eye was closed, someone was distracted, etc. These images are deleted immediately and are not available under any circumstances.
Do you have a referral program?
So glad you asked! Yes I do!! I LOVE my clients and it’s the highest form of a compliment when you refer someone to me! So, to say thank you for your referral you will receive a print credit from me when your friends book and pay for their session. Just a little something to say ‘Thanks for being so awesome’
Do you offer payment plans?
I don’t advertise it, but yes I do. I understand that my photography is an investment and want you to get custom photography. Even if it means making installments. Just ask me, we can set something up that works for you. The only requirement is the session fee must be paid at the time of booking and the remainder of your payment plan is paid in full before you receive physical prints.
What time of day will we be doing our session?
Great question! An indoor newborn session is done during the day, typically around 10am. This is the time of day when the sun filters through your windows at home lighting up your rooms to make the perfect conditions for pictures. Outdoor newborn sessions will most likely be done closer to 4pm depending on the location we choose.
All other sessions are scheduled about an hour and a half before sunset or after soon after sunrise. This is the best time of day for lighting and will produce the best images.
Do you offer studio portraits?
I am an on-location photographer only. If you are looking for a studio head shot, this can also be attained outdoors or at a variety of locations, just ask! I occasionally use flash and other lighting equipment for portrait sessions, but typically prefer a more simplified set-up.
How long have you been a photographer?
It all started in a high school technology and arts class with a short section on black and white film photography. During college, I majored in studio art, specializing in oil painting, drawing, and film photography. The digital revolution was in full swing, and a year later, I had my first point and shoot camera to supplement film. Within a few years, my father became my first “investor” and bought me my first digital SLR camera. Grand total, not including dabbling in high school, I’ve been a photographer for about 10 years.
What kind of camera should I buy?
This is one of the toughest questions to answer and really depends on how serious you are about having beautiful images. If you’ve got a great eye, wonderful photographs can be taken with your average digital point and shoot camera. They’re convenient, small, and relatively inexpensive. If you’d like more control over your image quality and things like depth of field and shutter speed, then go for a digital SLR. There are SO many more options available now than there was even 5 years ago, so try one out at a camera store and see what fits you best. All of the major camera manufacturers have decent entry-level dSLRs that are a great place to start. If you’re making your first dSLR purchase, for Nikon, I suggest the D5100 or D7000. For Canon, I suggest the 7D or Rebel T3.
What kind of camera (and gear) do you use?
To check out what’s in my bag, go here.
Do you travel for photo shoots?
Yes! I love traveling, meeting new people, and exploring new places. Depending on the location, additional fees may apply. Please contact me for more information.
What are some of your hobbies?
I was one of those kids that was involved in sports, activities, and music all the time, and (unfortunately) that has translated to adulthood and I now have way too many interests! Ha! Some of my favorite things to do in my down time: hang out with my wonderful husband, cook, garden, run, snowboard, dance, read, go camping, hike & backpack, explore new places, try new foods, paint…
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